Peppersauce Cave: A Wild Underground Adventure
Explore the wild side of Arizona in Peppersauce Cave: crawl, climb, and discover underground wonders in this natural limestone cavern.
Peppersauce Cave, located in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Oracle, Arizona, offers a unique spelunking experience for adventurous visitors. This 'wild cave' features no paved walkways, requiring explorers to walk, climb, and crawl through natural passages to discover its hidden wonders.
A brief summary to Peppersauce Cave
- Oracle, Arizona, 85701, US
- +1520-388-8300
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty, as the cave floor can be muddy and uneven.
- Bring at least two light sources per person, as there are no artificial lights inside the cave.
- Consider wearing a helmet and gloves to protect yourself from bumps and scrapes.
- Explore with a buddy or group, and inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
- Be prepared for a challenging hike and climb, as the cave is not suitable for those with limited mobility or claustrophobia.
Getting There
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Driving
From Oracle, Arizona, head north on AZ-77 N for approximately 8 miles. Turn left onto Peppersauce Road (Forest Road 38) and follow it for about 2 miles until you reach the Peppersauce Cave parking area. Note that Peppersauce Road transitions to a dirt road, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. There is no established parking area, park on the side of the road without blocking traffic. From the parking area, cross over the road and find the obvious trail just to the right of the bridge over the road. Follow this back to the sign that shows the map of the cave. The main cave opens just to the left of the sign up a small bluff.
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Public Transport & Hiking
Public transportation to Oracle is limited. Take a bus or shuttle to Tucson, then arrange a rideshare or taxi to Oracle (about 30 miles). From Oracle, follow the driving directions. Alternatively, park at the Peppersauce Cave parking area and hike the remaining distance to the cave entrance (about 0.5 miles). Prepare for a trek through rugged terrain.
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Walking
From the parking area, cross over the road and find the obvious trail just to the right of the bridge over the road. Follow this back to the sign that shows the map of the cave. The main cave opens just to the left of the sign up a small bluff. The annex entrance is just behind the sign, and the main entrance is a little farther up the trail after a small climb.
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